Janet's Blog

The end of one year and the beginning of a new one is a time to reflect upon where we are and where we want to go in the new year. Do you make New Years Resolutions? I know some people have given up on doing this because they have failed to keep them so many times in the past. It is important to do them correctly if you want to succeed.

How to write New Years Resolutions1. Write it down.Did you know that people who write down their goals are much more likely to reach them? It's true. 2. Focus on behavior, not outcomes. You can control your behavior but you can't always control the outcome. For example, you can follow a particular meal plan that will eventually result in weight loss but you cannot control exactly how much weight you will lose in a particular time frame.3. Make it specific and measurable. If you want to exercise more, it is not enough to say that. It is far too vague. Instead, say you will go to the gym three times a week and do cardio and weight training at each visit. That way you can tell if you actually did it and when you have been there twice in a week, you know you need to plan one more visit.4. Make it positive. Say what you are going to do, rather than what you don't want to do. Instead of "I won't overeat", say "I will take one serving that fits with my meal plan". Picture yourself doing this.5. Recognize that you will not do this perfectly. You are human and will make mistakes. Just get back to your plan as soon as you can and don't use a lapse to give up entirely. Be persistent because that is what leads to success.

Janet L Black, RN, FNP,MSN, MPH

Bringing you information about health. The more you know, the better you can work with your healthcare provider to achieve better health. Any advice or ideas expressed here shall not be construed as medical or psychological treatment.